Others

•Cost for all activities included in the tour program (guided hikes, cooking class, pottery lesson) •All taxes

Guide

Trails Beyond tour leader/local guides

Meals

All meals, as indicated on the trip notes (4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners)

Transport

All necessary ground transfers on the island Return Ferry tickets from Athens to Kythnos

Accommodation

4 days of accommodation in traditional guesthouse, based on double occupancy

Not included:

Flights

Others

•Transfers to/from Athens airports and to/from the port •Any meals not specified in the itinerary •Any beverages or alcoholic drinks during meals •Optional activities that are not included in the day-to-day itinerary •Other expenses of personal nature and tips

Insurance

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Day 1 Athens – Kythnos
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Athens – Kythnos

On the first day, you will board the ferry either from Piraeus or from Lavrio port, reaching the picturesque Kythnos island in approximately and within 3 or 1:40 hours respectively.

After check in at your hotel, the remainder of your day is free* to unwind by the sea or explore the village’s charming narrow alleys and shops! In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome dinner with your tour leader and your fellow travelers, savoring a first taste of the local cuisine and discussing the upcoming program.

*Please note, the day’s schedule is intentionally free of activities to accommodate varying arrival times based on the ferry schedule. However, if you arrive early, we can arrange a hike or other activities to kickstart your exploration.

Meals included: Dinner

Accommodation: Traditional Guesthouse
Day 2 Hiking To Vryokastro – Apokrousi – Kolona
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hiking To Vryokastro – Apokrousi – Kolona

Today’s hiking adventure leads us to the island’s ancient capital, Vryokastro, and then arguably the most breathtaking beach on the island, Kolona! A short ascending hike up will take us to the hill of Vryokastro, a currently abandoned archaeological site and one of the most crucial prehistoric settlements in the Aegean. With artifacts dating back to the Mesolithic Age, this town was continuously inhabited from the 10th century B.C. to the 6th century A.D., as revealed by archaeological research and underwater excavations.

Following this exploration, we will descend to the serene white sandy beach of Apokrousi for a break, allowing time for relaxation and a refreshing swim. Our journey then continues to one of Kythnos’ highlights, the unique beach of Kolona. This strip of sand connects Kythnos with the islet of Agios Loukas, creating a landscape of unparalleled beauty. Here, you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling, as well as lunch at the sole beachfront tavern (if open) or opt for a snack lunch.

You will later be transferred back to your hotel.

Total Hike Duration: 4 hours / 5-5.5 hours incl. stops | Total Distance: ≈ 12 - 13 km

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Traditional Guesthouse
Day 3 Hiking Loutra – Castle Of Oria, The Thermal Springs & Pottery Lesson
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hiking Loutra – Castle Of Oria, The Thermal Springs & Pottery Lesson

Embark on a breathtaking hike today, offering incredible views and authentic glimpses into the island’s rich history! Following breakfast, a transfer will take you to the north part of the island, specifically to the village of Loutra - a favored stop over for sailing yachts. From there, we ascend along a picturesque path to the striking Castle of Oria, perched on a steep hill at the island’s northernmost point. This fortified acropolis overlooking the Aegean Sea, served as the island’s capital during Byzantine times and the Latin occupation, with traces of habitation reaching back to prehistoric eras. While 100 chapels thrived during the Venetian Rule, only two remain today.

You will have time to relax, relish panoramic views and take some stunning photos before retracing our steps back to Loutra. The afternoon is yours to relax at the therapeutic Thermal Springs of Loutra or enjoy your lunch and coffee at one of the seaside restaurants/cafes.

Later, a brief hiking trail will take us from Loutra to Chora, the island’s current capital. Chora is a fine testament to traditional Cycladic architecture. Meander through white-washed houses, stone-paved mule paths and arcades, inviting you to explore the numerous narrow alleys leading to quaint squares and charming churches. Once in Chora, you will also enjoy a pottery lesson* led by a local artisan, providing a unique opportunity to craft your own pottery clay!

Total Hike Duration: 4 - 5 hours / 6 hours incl. stops | Total Distance: 10-12 km

Early in the evening, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

*The pottery lesson is available until the end of September.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Traditional Guesthouse
Day 4 Hiking Dryopida – Kanala, Cave Exploration & Cooking Class
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hiking Dryopida – Kanala, Cave Exploration & Cooking Class

Enjoy a hearty breakfast today in preparation for a captivating hike through the best of the island’s central and southeast regions! You will be transferred to Dryopida village, one of the most charming and traditional settlements of Kythnos. Once there, we will follow a scenic hiking trail that will soon take us to the peaceful beach of Kalo Livadi, adorned with a small church on a rock. This large beach with its stone slabs, pebbles, golden sand, and ancient cedars invites you to relax, sunbathe, and swim in the tranquil summer setting. The only sounds accompanying you will likely be the rhythmic waves in this unspoiled panorama. Beyond the settlement, a fertile meadow unfolds, with fig trees, vineyards and groves, lending its name to the village.

Our final stop for today’s hike is the renowned coastal village of Kanala, named after the monastery of Panagia Kanala, dedicated to Virgin Mary. Here discover the island’s sole pine forest. The monastery houses the so-called miraculous icon of Our Lady, discovered by fishermen in the channel between Kythnos and Serifos, renowned for its healing powers. After completing the hike, you will be transferred back to Dryopida village, for a delightful surprise - an exploration of Katafiki cave, one Greece’s largest and still largely unexplored. Located at the edge of Dryopida villageat 190 meters above sea level, the cave maintains a constant temperature of 17 degrees and spans an impressive area of 3.500 sq.m.

Once we explore this hidden gem, you will participate in a cooking class where you will learn how to prepare some traditional local delicacies, such as “sfougata”, Greek salad, “tzatziki” and much more, adding a flavorful touch to your Kythnos experience!

Total Hike Duration: 2.5 hours / 4 hours incl. stops | Total Distance: 6.5 - 7 km

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch (cooking class)

Accommodation: Traditional Guesthouse
Day 5 Departures – Kythnos To Athens
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Departures – Kythnos To Athens

Today you are free to enjoy your last morning on the island as you please before boarding the ferry back to Athens (or other nearby islands).

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Depends on your schedule

5 days tour

Secret Cyclades: Hiking Holidays On Kythnos Island

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Secret Cyclades: Hiking Holidays On Kythnos Island

Athens – Kythnos

Hiking To Vryokastro – Apokrousi – Kolona

Hiking Loutra – Castle Of Oria, The Thermal Springs & Pottery Lesson

Hiking Dryopida – Kanala, Cave Exploration & Cooking Class

Departures – Kythnos To Athens

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